10 years ago, I was teaching kids how to code at a program I co-founded. I loved teaching them to code but I started worrying about their screen time (and my own). Over the years, I tried quitting social media or using app blockers, but nothing stuck. When I became an artist, I needed Instagram to share my work. Most blockers were so extreme that anytime I needed to open social media, I felt like I was failing. I would abandon them and go back to mindlessly scrolling.
So I decided to build the social media mindfulness app of my dreams.
I designed Free Time: the Mindful App Blocker so that you don’t have to quit your phone, but instead use it more intentionally. Free Time introduces a small pause before opening social media, asking you to solve a word scramble, math problem, or respond to a mindfulness prompt before continuing. The goal is friction, not restriction. It creates enough friction to think before you scroll.
I’ve been using it myself it for the past 7 months and it’s changed my relationship with my phone. It’s turned my phone from an addictive device into a tool to connect with loved ones and share my art. I finally have more time for my creativity, reading, and being outside. I hope Free Time can help you make time for what matters most to you.
@hellyeah This means so much to hear Dave!! Thank you for being one of the very first users! So so happy it has changed your relationship with your phone :)
Love the intentionality behind the design, really encourages you to slow down and think about "why" with the questions and puzzles. From mindless -> mindful 😇
Lemonaid
10 years ago, I was teaching kids how to code at a program I co-founded. I loved teaching them to code but I started worrying about their screen time (and my own). Over the years, I tried quitting social media or using app blockers, but nothing stuck. When I became an artist, I needed Instagram to share my work. Most blockers were so extreme that anytime I needed to open social media, I felt like I was failing. I would abandon them and go back to mindlessly scrolling.
So I decided to build the social media mindfulness app of my dreams.
I designed Free Time: the Mindful App Blocker so that you don’t have to quit your phone, but instead use it more intentionally. Free Time introduces a small pause before opening social media, asking you to solve a word scramble, math problem, or respond to a mindfulness prompt before continuing. The goal is friction, not restriction. It creates enough friction to think before you scroll.
I’ve been using it myself it for the past 7 months and it’s changed my relationship with my phone. It’s turned my phone from an addictive device into a tool to connect with loved ones and share my art. I finally have more time for my creativity, reading, and being outside. I hope Free Time can help you make time for what matters most to you.
Ramp
This app saved my life.
I've been struggling with phone addiction for years. I've tried Opal and Screen Time and everything you name it.
And this is the first app that actually shifted my relationship with my phone.
Lemonaid
@hellyeah This means so much to hear Dave!! Thank you for being one of the very first users! So so happy it has changed your relationship with your phone :)
WeWrite
This app has been an absolute game changer for me. It's absolutely changed the way I spend time on my phone and has given me hours back every day.
Lemonaid
@anshul_jain12 Thanks AJ!! So so happy to hear!
Relephant
Love the intentionality behind the design, really encourages you to slow down and think about "why" with the questions and puzzles. From mindless -> mindful 😇